07/16/2021
The "Blessed Mary" sculpture located at National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes has safely been removed from the top of the carillon tower. The sculpture was originally schedule to be re-gilded, before structural problems were discovered. A small crack at the base was observed and thought to be a stress fracture related to the high wind the piece is routinely subjected to. However, an internal inspection revealed that the base, lower steel gussets, and central post braces had badly deteriorated due to water infiltration and galvanic corrosion of the bronze and steel components that were fastened together.
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